Judson Green, left, and James Seneff chat in the home of Michael Mennello during his 80th birthday celebration in Winter Park, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013.(Special to the Sentinel/Phelan M. Ebenhack) ORG XMIT: mennello19

Philanthropist Michael Mennello said his 80th-birthday celebration was full of the spirit of his late wife, Marilyn. “This is what she loved,” Mennello said. “She was the most perfect being. She was really an earth angel.” The couple founded Orlando’s Mennello Museum of American Art, but were equally known for their exquisite parties. On Saturday, Mennello invited 42 friends for a birthday dinner in his Winter Park home’s fabled ballroom. Surrounded by art, fresh calla lilies (the Mennellos’ favorite flowers) and candles, guests dined on Coquilles St. Jacques (sautéed scallops), filet of beef and amaretto cake catered by the Hyatt Regency. For entertainment, there was piano playing and singing, including Mennello’s signature “God Bless America.” “I make everybody sing it,” said Mennello, whose birthday was actually July 11. “This is a great country. Life is grand.” -- Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel